Self Care Activities: 5 Ideas for When You’re Feeling Stressed
This post explores the importance of self care activities for reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Being stressed sucks balls; there’s no doubt about it. As a busy mom, you may get caught up in the hustle and must remember to care for yourself. But when stress levels are high, it’s crucial to prioritize self care activities. These activities are perfect for millennial moms who need a stress-busting routine that fits their busy schedules. Let’s get started!
Self Care Activities For When You Are Feeling Stressed
Art Therapy
Creative activities like drawing, painting, or coloring can significantly reduce stress and improve mood. Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses art as a means of self-expression and can help you explore and process your emotions.
Art therapy is a unique form of self-care activity that allows you to tap into your creative side and explore your feelings in a safe and non-judgmental space. The creative process can be highly therapeutic and can help you process complex emotions that may be difficult to express in words. In art therapy, the focus is not on the final product but on the creative process itself. Creating art can be meditative, helping calm your mind and reduce stress levels.
You don’t need to be a talented artist to benefit from art therapy. Instead, the process is about expressing yourself in a way that feels comfortable. This might mean coloring in a coloring book, drawing with pastels or paints, or creating collages with magazine clippings. The important thing is to let go of any self-judgment and allow yourself to play with the materials in front of you.
Art therapy can be beneficial if you struggle to express your feelings verbally. You can use your art to communicate your emotions and work through any unresolved issues that may be causing you stress. Focusing on your art decreases stress levels, and you feel more relaxed and centered.
Ideas for how to get started with art therapy:
- Keep an art journal: A journal is a great way to explore and process your emotions through drawing, painting, or writing. Use it as a safe space to express yourself and let your creativity flow.
- Try a guided art therapy activity: Plenty of online resources offer guided art therapy activities. These can be a great way to explore your emotions through art and get more comfortable with the process.
- Attend an art therapy workshop or class: Many therapists and community centers offer art therapy workshops and classes. These can be a great way to connect with others, learn new techniques, and explore your emotions in a supportive environment.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a holistic practice that uses natural plant extracts to promote physical and emotional well-being. Essential oils are the most common form of aromatherapy and can be used in various ways to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and more.
One popular way to use essential oils is through diffusion. A diffuser disperses the essential oils into the air, allowing you to inhale their aroma and experience their therapeutic benefits. For example, add a few drops of essential oil to your bathwater for a relaxing and rejuvenating soak. In addition, essential oils can be added to massage oils or lotions for a soothing and therapeutic massage.
There are many essential oils that are known for their calming and stress-relieving properties. Lavender, chamomile, and bergamot are popular essential oils for relaxation and anxiety reduction. In addition, Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils are invigorating and can help to relieve tension headaches and promote mental clarity.
When using essential oils, it’s important to dilute them properly and follow safe usage guidelines. Some essential oils can be irritating to the skin or can cause allergic reactions, so it’s important to do your research and consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils for aromatherapy.
DIY Spa Day
Treat yourself to a DIY spa day at home with a relaxing bath, face mask, and foot soak.
Creating your own DIY spa day at home is a luxurious way to unwind and relax without having to leave the house. Start by drawing a warm bath and adding some Epsom salts or essential oils for a soothing soak. You can also add some candles and soft music for a full spa-like experience.
For a refreshing and rejuvenating facial treatment, create your own face mask using ingredients like avocado, honey, and yogurt. Avocado is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants that can nourish and hydrate your skin, while honey has antibacterial properties that can help fight acne and soothe inflammation. Yogurt contains lactic acid, which can help exfoliate and brighten your skin.
Another relaxing self-care activity you can try is a foot soak. Fill a bowl with warm water and add Epsom salts and a few drops of essential oils for a calming and soothing experience. You can also add some dried flowers or herbs for a touch of aromatherapy.
To complete your at-home spa experience, make your own body scrub using ingredients like coconut oil and sugar. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help hydrate your skin, while sugar can gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. Mix the two together with your favorite essential oils for a deliciously scented body scrub that will leave your skin feeling silky smooth.
Overall, a DIY spa day is a perfect way to treat yourself to some much-needed self-care and relaxation in the comfort of your own home.
{RELATED POST: Creating Me Time Despite Working and Running Errands All Day Long}
Socializing
Spending time with friends and loved ones can be a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. Plan a girls’ night out, have a dinner party, or grab coffee with a friend. Socializing can help you feel more connected and supported, which can, in turn, reduce stress and anxiety.
Socializing is an important aspect of self-care that often gets overlooked. When you’re feeling stressed, it’s easy to isolate yourself and withdraw from social situations. However, studies have shown that social support can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health. Spending time with friends and loved ones can boost your mood, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, and even improve your immune system.
To incorporate socializing into your self-care routine, try planning a regular get-together with friends or family members. This can be a weekly dinner date, a monthly game night, or even a yearly vacation. The key is to make time for socializing and prioritize it as an important part of your self-care routine.
If you don’t have a large social circle, consider joining a local club or group that aligns with your interests. This can be a great way to meet new people and expand your social network. You can also try volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about, as this provides opportunities for socializing while making a positive impact on the community.
Overall, socializing is an important self-care activity that can improve your mood, reduce stress, and increase your sense of connection and support. Make it a priority to schedule regular social outings and incorporate them into your self-care routine.
Adult Coloring Books
Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore. Adult coloring books have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to relieve stress and improve focus. Grab a coloring book and some colored pencils, and spend some time coloring your stress away.
Adult coloring books are a great way to unwind and get lost in the moment. Unlike traditional coloring books for kids, adult coloring books are filled with intricate designs and patterns that require more focus and attention. As you color, you can allow your mind to wander and let go of any worries or stresses you may be carrying.
Coloring has been shown to be a form of mindfulness and can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. In fact, a study published in the Creativity Research Journal found that coloring for just 20 minutes a day can lead to a reduction in cortisol, the stress hormone. Additionally, coloring has been found to increase feelings of creativity and improve overall mood.
There are countless adult coloring books available online or at your local bookstore. Look for a book that has designs and patterns that speak to you and make you feel calm and relaxed. Set aside some time each day to color, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and make it a regular part of your self-care routine.
This post covered 5 Self Care Activities for When You’re Feeling Stressed.
Prioritizing self care activities when stress levels are high, it can be tempting to put self-care on the back burner. But taking care of yourself is essential for managing stress and promoting overall well-being. Whether it’s art therapy, aromatherapy, a DIY spa day, a little socializing, or coloring in an adult coloring book, there are plenty of self-care activities to choose from. Find the activities that work best for you and make them a regular part of your self-care routine.
Your body and mind will thank you for it!
😊
Other Posts You May Like
🌟Intentional Living for Beginners: Unlocking the Power to Create Fulfillment
⭐7 Ways Working Moms Can Boost Their Mood and Happiness
🌟13 Tips to Strengthen Your Intuition
